Merrillville

knowledge when it comes to implementing and sharing Merrillville’s innovative programs. “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations under the Clean Water Act,” Lake explains, noting the state requires commu- nities comply with non-point source pollution (stormwater run-off) Best Management Prac- tices (BMPs) by putting in six minimum control measures. “Merrillville has undertaken a pro- gressive approach to low impact development, part of that is green infrastructure. Low impact develop- ment incorporates many facets of BMPs to minimize impact to the environment.We defined our utility a bit differently. We built the first stormwater resource center in the State of Indiana. “When we changed our ordinances, we in- corporated required low impact development standards for any new or redevelopment to get a stormwater permit. Most communities look at low impact development as a kind of incentive program, whereas we make it a requirement. We found that by requiring BMPs for low impact development, on top of all the stormwater re- quirements, we’re getting a lot of green features on business and industrial sites. And the cost to the town is zero.” Because sig- nage is required for some of these The slogan for Indiana is “The Crossroads of America,” and Merrillville has one of the major crossroads in the state–US30 and I65.Through- out that corridor, every type of eatery has staked a claim, including big names like Outback Steak- house and McAllister’s Deli.The town relies on commercial/industrial type development, and offers a prime location to bring it in. Dawn Foods is a major employer, as are large manufacturers such as Modern Drop Forge. Merrillville, Indiana is also an award-winning role model for stormwater management and sus- tainable infrastructure.Matthew Lake, Executive Director Stormwater Utility, came to town from an engineering firmwhere he was a consultant for stormwater management.He is a fountain of MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA Merrillville has undertaken a progressive approach to low impact development, part of that is green infrastructure. Low impact devel- opment incorporates many facets of BMPs to minimize impact to the environment. We defined our utility a bit differently. We built the first stormwater resource center in the State of Indiana. MATTHEW LAKE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STORMWATER UTILITY